ALEX GREGORY FROM SHEFFIELD SENTENCED FOR ONLINE GROOMING OF SCHOOLGIRLS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Sheffield community, Alex Gregory, a 27-year-old man, has been handed a three-year prison sentence after being found guilty of grooming underage schoolgirls online for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

The arrest of Gregory took place in January 2020, following a distressing revelation from a 14-year-old girl who was unable to be named due to legal restrictions. She disclosed that Gregory had sexually assaulted her, prompting a thorough investigation by law enforcement authorities.

During the course of the investigation, it was uncovered that Gregory had been actively approaching young girls through social media platforms. His tactics involved befriending them online, gaining their trust, and then offering to give them lifts and cigarettes, which demonstrated a predatory and manipulative pattern of behaviour. It was evident that Gregory was aware of the girls' underage status, yet he continued to pursue and exploit them.

Gregory, who was previously residing on Lamb Road in Sheffield, appeared before Sheffield Crown Court to face justice. His actions were deemed to be both exploitative and predatory, targeting vulnerable minors for his own sexual gratification. At an earlier hearing, Gregory pleaded guilty to charges of engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

In addition to his prison sentence, Gregory was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), a legal measure designed to prevent further offences and protect the community from potential harm. The court's decision underscores the severity of his misconduct and the importance of safeguarding minors from online predators.